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Major advancements in neurological science are changing the way experts understand and treat addiction. Learn from some of the country's leading experts what the latest medical research tells us about treating addictive behaviors in men and women.

What usually starts innocently enough as taking pain medication appropriately prescribed by a doctor, can turn into a deadly addiction for some. Jennifer Matesa shares her story of the darkest days of her addiction to her recovery.

Recent medical studies raise the possibility of blood tests capable of predicting who is at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease. Joanne Mee DeHond shares her mother’s struggles with Alzheimer’s and the questions that linger regarding her mother’s care and her own health.

A diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease can be devastating for a person and their loved ones. Caregiving issues surrounding a person with a cognitive disease are unique, and planning for decline in health is critical for the caregiver.

(Source: NINDS / NIH) Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), sometimes called Lou Gehrig's disease, is a rapidly progressive, invariably fatal neurological disease that attacks the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscles. The disease belongs to a group of disorders known as motor neuron diseases, which are characterized by the gradual degeneration and death of motor neurons.

(Source: NIH) Angina is chest pain or discomfort that occurs if an area of your heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood. Angina may feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest. The pain also can occur in your shoulders, arms, neck, jaw, or back. Angina pain may even feel like indigestion. Angina isn't a disease; it's a symptom of an underlying heart problem. Angina usually is a symptom of coronary heart disease (CHD).

Once known as wonder drugs, they can actually be harmful to your health. How has our reliance on antibiotics helped create a new generation of super bugs? And what can we do to keep our families safe? These questions and more on this episode of Second Opinion.

Between 15 and 20 million Americans – including about 5 million children – have asthma, a chronic disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Asthma attacks can be frightening, even fatal, but they can also be treated and prevented. This episode of Second Opinion looks at the symptoms, causes, and diagnosis of asthma and how modern drug therapy can alleviate its effects.

(Source: Autism Speaks) Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and autism are both general terms for a group of complex disorders of brain development. These disorders are characterized, in varying degrees, by difficulties in social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication and repetitive behaviors.

If you've never suffered from back pain, chances are you know somebody who does. In the United States, seven out of every ten people will endure back pain at some time in their lives. For a common-sense discussion about an all-too-common ailment, be sure to watch this episode of Second Opinion.

Two thirds of Americans are obese. Some people call it an epidemic. While diets and pills fail, gastric bypass surgery has swept the nation as the magic bullet for weight loss. Is this solution as simple as it seems? Second Opinion takes and in-depth look at the pros and cons of this surgery.

(Source: Brain and Behavior Research Foundation) Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain and behavior disorder characterized by severe shifts in a person's mood and energy, making it difficult for the person to function. More than 5.7 million American adults or 2.6 percent of the population age 18 or older in any given year have bipolar disorder. The condition typically starts in late adolescence or early adulthood, although it can show up in children and in older adults. People often live with the disorder without having it properly diagnosed and treated.

Breast cancer: two of the most frightening words in the English language. There's no shortage of advice for protection, detection and treatment options, and women presented with the diagnosis face an overwhelming number of choices. How do you make treatment decisions? And is there such a thing as a "survivor"? Our healthcare team tackles these questions and more on this episode of Second Opinion.

(Source: Young Survival Coalition and BreastCancer.org) Young women can and do get breast cancer. While breast cancer in young women accounts for a small percentage of all breast cancer cases, the impact of this disease is widespread. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 15 to 54. There are more than 250,000 women living in the U.S. who were diagnosed with breast cancer at the age of 40 or under, and approximately 10,000 young women will be diagnosed in the next year.

While survival rates for breast cancer continue to improve, for some women, recurrence is a devastating reality. When women experience breast cancer recurrence, a sense of failure can confront both the patient and health care provider. Our expert panel explores a topic filled with both challenge and hope.

(Source: NIH / National Cancer Institute) Treatment for breast cancer can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. While having reconstructive surgery is a personal choice, knowing your options can help you better prepare for the future.

Clostridium Difficile is a bacterium that causes inflammation of the colon. People who have other illnesses or conditions requiring prolonged use of antibiotics, and the elderly, are at greater risk of acquiring this disease.

Heart disease is the number one killer in the U.S. With doctors and researchers racing to stop heart disease in its tracks, diagnostic technology and treatment options are breaking new ground at astounding speed. But are there dangers? Can technology tell us too much? Our experts dive into the high-tech world of cardiac care.

Heart disease is something we as Americans talk about a lot. But most often, the conversation surrounds the person who has heart disease or has had a cardiac event. But what about the spouse of that person? Many times the spousal role immediately changes to caregiver, nurse and housekeeper. Cardiac spouses are more suscepible to depression and other illnesses, but their health needs are often overlooked.

Thirty one percent of the adult population age 20 to 75 provide informal care to a family member or friend who is ill or disabled. Burnout can result from the physical and emotional challenges associated with being a caregiver. While family caregivers give of themselves out of love, there are real physical, emotional and financial costs associated with caregiving. As we live longer and caregiving becomes a bigger issue in the U.S., learn what can be done to help our caregiving community.

(Source: NDDIC / NIH) Celiac disease is a digestive disease that damages the small intestine and interferes with absorption of nutrients from food. People who have celiac disease cannot tolerate gluten, a protein in wheat, rye, and barley. Gluten is found mainly in foods but may also be found in everyday products such as medicines, vitamins, and lip balms.

It is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in women worldwide. Would you be surprised to learn that cervical cancer is caused by a virus, and that a vaccine may soon make it a disease of the past? The latest in cervical cancer treatment and prevention is featured in this episode of Second Opinion.

Few things are as sad or shocking than to hear of a child diagnosed with cancer. While these children fight for their lives, doctors and researchers fight for research dollars to find new, desperately needed treatments. Christine Kelly Marquino’s son Danny is in his third cancer protocol, and while he battles each recurrence, his family truly lives as a “cancer family.”

An estimated 15-30% of Americans suffer with chronic pain. What is causing it? With so many people struggling with it, still the causes often go undiagnosed and therefore untreated. Is it real, or is it all in our heads-or are doctors just not looking deep enough?

(Source: NINDS / NIH) While acute pain is a normal sensation triggered in the nervous system to alert you to possible injury and the need to take care of yourself, chronic pain is different. Chronic pain persists. Pain signals keep firing in the nervous system for weeks, months, even years. There may have been an initial mishap -- sprained back, serious infection, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain -- arthritis, cancer, ear infection, but some people suffer chronic pain in the absence of any past injury or evidence of body damage. Many chronic pain conditions affect older adults.

Medical research has helped us lead longer, healthier lives, but it has also sparked ethical concerns and contentious political debate. Through a Parkinson's Disease case, panelists explore the controversial world of clinical trials and debate the potential gains and pitfalls of science on the edge.

Colon cancer is the third most common type of cancer among American men and in women and is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths (after lung cancer) in the United States. Learn about how doctors can help you catch it in it's earliest, most curable stage.

(NIH / National Cancer Institute) Cancer of the colon or rectum is also called colorectal cancer. In the United States, it is the fourth most common cancer in men and women. Caught early, it is often curable. The colon and rectum are part of the large intestine. Colorectal cancer occurs when tumors form in the lining of the large intestine. It is common in both men and women. The risk of developing colorectal cancer rises after age 50. You're also more likely to get it if you have colorectal polyps, a family history of colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, eat a diet high in fat, or smoke.

Some call it hypertension. Others know it as high blood pressure. Whichever term you use, it is the same serious health problem - one that increases your risk for heart disease and stroke and can also contribute to heart failure , kidney disease, vision problems, and other conditions.

(Source: PubMed Health / NIH) Conversion disorder is a condition in which a person has blindness, paralysis, or other nervous system (neurologic) symptoms that cannot be explained by medical evaluation. Symptoms can include blindness, paralysis and other physical symtpoms. Symptoms usually begin suddenly after a stressful experience. People are more at risk for a conversion disorder if they also have a medical illness, dissociative disorder, or a personality disorder.

(Source: NIH / National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) COPD, or chronic obstructive pulmonary (PULL-mun-ary) disease, is a progressive disease that makes it hard to breathe. "Progressive" means the disease gets worse over time. COPD can cause coughing that produces large amounts of mucus (a slimy substance), wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and other symptoms. Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of COPD. Most people who have COPD smoke or used to smoke. Long-term exposure to other lung irritants—such as air pollution, chemical fumes, or dust—also may contribute to COPD.

Research supports that not only do men and women present with heart disease differently, they can also develop it differently. Coronary Microvascular Disease is predominantly a women's heart disease - one that is often overlooked and under-diagnosed. Is it possible to have heart disease and yet appear to have healthy coronary arteries? The surprising answer is a resounding "yes."

Nearly five million people in the United States are living with some degree of dementia. Over the next few decades, aging baby boomers are expected to push that number even higher. This episode of Second Opinion introduces a panel of researchers and healthcare providers, along with one extraordinary dementia patient, who explore the latest trends in diagnosing and treating one of the most frightening illnesses a family can face.

Today, one in five Americans will experience a diagnosable mental health disorder. That adds up to 44 million adults and 4 million children. And yet, it remains under-recognized by primary care doctors. This episode of Second Opinion introduces a panel of medical experts and health care providers, along with the First Lady of New Jersey, Mary Jo Codey, who shares her personal battle with depression. Together they explore the latest trends in diagnosis and treatment of this debilitating disease.

Depression in the geriatric population presents different challenges than in younger populations. Diagnosis and treatment can be difficult, but the management of depression in later life is critical to good physical health.

Is sugar really the enemy? What is insulin resistance? And is diabetes really that bad? With Type 2 Diabetes reaching epidemic numbers in our country, why aren't we doing anything about it? Our panel sets out to answer these questions and more.

(Source: NIH / National Diabetes Information Clearinghouse) The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was a major multicenter clinical research study aimed at discovering whether modest weight loss through dietary changes and increased physical activity or treatment with the oral diabetes drug metformin (Glucophage) could prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes in study participants. The DPP showed that people at risk for developing diabetes can prevent or delay the onset of diabetes by losing a modest amount of weight through diet and exercise.

(Source: NIH / MedlinePlus) Dizziness is a term that is often used to describe two different symptoms: lightheadedness and vertigo. Light-headedness is a feeling like you might faint. Vertigo is a feeling that you are spinning or moving, or that the the world is spinning around you. Most causes of dizziness are not serious and either quickly get better on their own or are easily treated.

Eating disorders affect some several million people at any given time, about 90 percent of whom are female. You may associate eating disorders with younger women, but they can also begin or recur later in life. In fact, some research suggests that approximately 79 percent of deaths related to anorexia occur in women over 45 years of age. In this episode, Second Opinion panelists discuss this very complex biological, psychological and cultural problem.

The Ebola virus causes an acute, serious illness which is often fatal if untreated. Ebola virus disease (EVD) first appeared in 1976 in 2 simultaneous outbreaks, one in Nzara, Sudan, and the other in Yambuku, Democratic Republic of Congo. The latter occurred in a village near the Ebola River, from which the disease takes its name.

America is a culture afraid of death. With that fear comes a lack of communication about how we want to die. Is it better to die in a hospital with every means for survival being administered, or is an acceptance of the end of life and a quiet death at home better? Is there such a thing as a good death?

Epilepsy, or recurrent seizures, is one of the most common conditions affecting the brain. About 2.5 million Americans have epilepsy, and 200,000 more people are diagnosed with the disorder every year. However, about 30% of patients referred to epilepsy centers are diagnosed as having non-epileptic attacks. This episode brings a nationally known panel of experts along with former Congressman Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, together to discuss the diagnosis, treatment and social stigmas of a diagnosis of epilepsy.

Though often portrayed as merely a sexual issue, erectile dysfunction can also be a signal of other significant health problems, such as heart disease. Second Opinion provides a candid discussion of causes and treatments, and reveals the many issues faced not just by men with this condition, but also their partners.

(Source: NDDIC / NIH) More than 5.5 million Americans experience loss of bowel control (fecal incontinence). It affects people of all ages, and can be devastating to a person’s self esteem and family life. Knowing what treatments are available can improve bowel control and makes incontinence easier to manage.

(Source: Mayo Clinic) Persistent, recurrent problems with sexual response or desire — that distress you or strain your relationship with your partner — are known medically as female sexual dysfunction. Many women experience problems with sexual function at some point in their lives. Female sexual dysfunction can occur at all stages of life, and it may be ongoing or happen only once in a while. You may experience more than one type of female sexual dysfunction.

While hearing the word "infertile" can have a devastating effect on women and men, there are many options and procedures available to people having trouble conceiving. But with high tech fertility methods developing faster every day, what are moral issues surrounding infertility in our country?

(Source: NIH / PubMed Health) Fibromyalgia is a common syndrome in which a person has long-term, body-wide pain and tenderness in the joints, muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues. Fibromyalgia has also been linked to fatigue, sleep problems, headaches, depression, and anxiety. The cause of fibromyalgia is unknown.

With thousands of people dying each year from the flu, it takes a pandemic to get us talking about it. The leading experts in the field will discuss the everyday flue, what we can do to keep ourselves healthy and flu-free, and if a more serious flue really poses as great a threat as the media portrays.

Food allergies are a growing food safety and public health concern that affect an estimated 4%–6% of children in the United States. Allergic reactions can be life threatening and have far-reaching effects on children and their families.

(Source: NIDDK / NIH) Foodborne illnesses are infections or irritations of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract caused by food or beverages that contain harmful bacteria, parasites, viruses, or chemicals. The GI tract is a series of hollow organs joined in a long, twisting tube from the mouth to the anus. Common symptoms of foodborne illnesses include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and chills.

(Source: Mayo Clinic) Your foot is an intricate network of bones, ligaments, tendons and muscles. Strong enough to bear your body weight, your foot can be prone to injury and pain. Foot pain can affect any part of your foot, from your toes to your Achilles tendon at the back of your heel. Although mild foot pain often responds well to home treatments, it can take time to resolve. Severe foot pain should be evaluated by your doctor, especially if it follows an injury.

(Source: NIH / National Institute on Aging) People in the U.S. are living longer than ever before. Many seniors live active and healthy lives. But there's no getting around one thing: as we age, our bodies and minds change. There are things you can do to stay healthy and active as you age. It is important to understand what to expect. Some changes may just be part of normal aging, while others may be a warning sign of a medical problem. It is important to know the difference, and to let your healthcare provider know if you have any concerns.

Heartburn is nothing to take lightly. For many people, heartburn can interrupt daily life and be the precursor to serious illnesses. Our panel of experts on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of it, as well as the symptoms you should not ignore.

(Source: Cancer.net) More than 60% of cancers in the United States occur in people age 65 and older. Cancers of the prostate, breast, colon, pancreas, bladder, stomach, lung, and rectum are the most common cancers in this age group.

(Source: PubMed / NIH) Grief is a reaction to a major loss. It is most often an unhappy and painful emotion. Grief may be triggered by the death of a loved one. People also can experience grief if they have an illness for which there is no cure, or a chronic condition that affects their quality of life. The end of a significant relationship may also cause a grieving process.

Novel H1N1 is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. First detected in the United States in April 2009, this virus spreads from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Though the majority of cases continue to be mild, some cases – usually in children, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions – have been more severe.

(Source: HELPGUIDE.org) Healthy eating is not about strict nutrition philosophies, staying unrealistically thin, or depriving yourself of the foods you love. Rather, it’s about feeling great, having more energy, stabilizing your mood, and keeping yourself as healthy as possible—all of which can be achieved by learning some nutrition basics and using them in a way that works for you. You can expand your range of healthy food choices and learn how to plan ahead to create and maintain a tasty, healthy diet.

Isolation and depression can often be a result of hearing loss, but there are good treatments, including hearing aids and surgery. Learn about the actions you can take right now to protect yourself from hearing loss.

A squeezing sensation in your chest, shooting pain in your left arm - classic signs of a heart attack, right? Well, not necessarily. Find out what we all need to know about heart attack and heart health on this episode of Second Opinion.

While the physical consequences of heart disease are fairly well known, the mental ramifications are often overlooked. With a tough case and a surprise ending, Second Opinion delves into the cause and effect of heart disease and mental health, and the potentially detrimental emotional aspects of medical illnesses.

It is your body's engine, playing a critical part in your overall health and well-being. And like any engine, your heart can require an occasional tune-up. But what happens when it fails? Artificial hearts and organ transplants are the subjects of this episode of Second Opinion.

(Source: NIH / MedlinePlus) Heart failure is a condition in which the heart can't pump enough blood throughout the body. Heart failure does not mean that your heart has stopped or is about to stop working. It means that your heart is not able to pump blood the way it should.

Hepatitis C is a worldwide health problem, and in the U.S. alone, an estimated 3.2 million people are living with chronic Hepatitis C infection. Our patient Kimberly Bossley watched her mother die of Hepatitis C, the very same disease she has, and is in the fight of her life against.

(Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) Hip fractures are serious fall injuries that often result in long-term functional impairment, nursing home admission and increased mortality.1,2 As our population ages, the number of hip fractures is likely to increase.

(Source: HIV Wisdomm for Older Women) While sexually transmitted diseases were once thought of as a problem in the young population, diseases such as HIV are rising at alarming rates in the middle age and elderly. Second Opinion addresses the social, medical, physical and cultural factors that are contributing to this trend.

Since the Women's Health Initiative (WHI) was stopped early due to risk of heart attack and stroke, the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been debated in research, in the media and among women across the country. Second Opinion explores the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy.

Hospital acquired infections, also known as nosocomial infections, are a growing problem in the U.S., however there are steps that healthcare systems can do to protect patients, and actions that you can take to protect yourself.

(Source: National Cancer Institute / NIH) Cervical cancer is caused by several types of a virus called human papillomaviruses (HPV). The virus spreads through sexual contact. Most women's bodies are able to fight HPV infection. But sometimes the virus leads to cancer. You are at higher risk if you smoke, have many children, use birth control pills for a long time, or have HIV infection.

It is called the silent killer, presenting few symptoms until there is serious physical damage. One out of three Americans suffer from hypertension and many of us don't even realize it. What qualifies as "high blood pressure," and what do the numbers mean? Panelists discuss the latest in diagnosis and treatment in this episode of Second Opinion.

When the thyroid gland loses its ability to make thyroid hormone, a person's whole life can be turned upside down. Affecting the physical and mental well-being of a person, the proper treatment of hypothyroidism can make a remarkable difference to overall health.

More than 20 million women suffer in silence with a secret that causes embarrassment, humiliation and life-altering decisions. Join LPGA champion golfer Terry-Jo Myers in this lively episode of Second Opinion, when our panelists reveal why even doctors avoid the subject of incontinence and how the latest treatments offer new hope.

Research indicates that inflammation underscores a significant percentage of heart disease, and some professionals believe that it may be the source of many complications of aging. Our panelists explore the relationship between inflammation and disease, and what new treatments lay ahead.

(Source: NDDIC / NIH) Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorder, meaning it is a problem caused by changes in how the GI tract works. People with a functional GI disorder have frequent symptoms, but the GI tract does not become damaged. IBS is not a disease; it is a group of symptoms that occur together. The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are abdominal pain or discomfort, often reported as cramping, along with diarrhea, constipation, or both. In the past, irritable bowel syndrome was called colitis, mucous colitis, spastic colon, nervous colon, and spastic bowel. The name was changed to reflect the understanding that the disorder has both physical and mental causes and is not a product of a person’s imagination.

Many Americans are living longer and more active lives. In doing so, they face the possibility that, over time, their major joints – hip, knee, shoulder – will wear out, become painful or cease to function properly. This episode of Second Opinion brings together a panel of orthopaedic experts and health care providers. Together they explore the causes and symptoms of deterioration of major joints, as well as a wide range of treatments including joint replacement.

Some say passing a kidney stone is more painful than childbirth. People have been suffering from kidney stones since the beginning of time, and the incidents continue to rise. What are kidney stones, how are they treated, and more importantly, can they be prevented?

Knee pain is a common problem and can escalate into extreme consequences that compromise lifestyle. Steve Jasinski has been dealing with severe knee pain issues that have had a negative impact on him for many years. He shares his personal story and learns about new options that could restore his quality of life.

(Source: Mayo Clinic) Your cancer treatment is over, but the treatments that may have saved your life may also continue to cause side effects. As more people are living longer after cancer treatment, more is becoming known about late side effects of cancer treatment. Find out all you can about late effects of cancer treatment and use this information to help manage your health.

(Source: NIH / National Cancer Institute) Leukemia is cancer of the white blood cells. White blood cells help your body fight infection. Your blood cells form in your bone marrow. In leukemia, however, the bone marrow produces abnormal white blood cells. These cells crowd out the healthy blood cells, making it hard for blood to do its work.

The diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer is a traumatic time for the patient and their loved ones. Yet life after the cancer treatment is often just as challenging. Experts, patients and laypeople discuss life after breast cancer - what it means to a woman personally, medically, socially and sexually.

(Source: Alzheimer's Association) Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and get worse over time, becoming severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

(Source: NIH / National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute) Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a disorder of the heart's electrical activity. It can cause sudden, uncontrollable, dangerous arrhythmias (ah-RITH-me-ahs) in response to exercise or stress. Arrhythmias are problems with the rate or rhythm of the heartbeat. People who have LQTS also can have arrhythmias for no known reason. However, not everyone who has LQTS has dangerous heart rhythms. When they do occur, though, they can be fatal.

With so much money going into cancer research and the success rate of cancer treatment increasing every year, why is a diagnosis of lung cancer still a death sentence? Experts who diagnose and treat the disease talk openly about the challenges of finding good diagnostics and a cure.

(Source: NIH / Medline Plus) Lyme disease is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. The first symptom is usually a rash, which may look like a bull's eye (although some people never get the tell-tale bullseye rash).

Many Americans think loss of vision is a normal part of aging. Think again. The number one cause of vision loss is actually a disease called macular degeneration. This episode describes the disease and how you may be able to prevent it from compromising your vision.

(Source: National Cancer Institute / NIH) A mammogram is a special type of X-ray of the breasts. Mammograms can show tumors long before they are big enough for you or your health care provider to feel. They are recommended for women who have symptoms of breast cancer or who have a high risk of the disease. You and your health care provider should discuss when to start having mammograms and how often to get one.

As more states make the use of medical marijuana legal, doctors and lay people alike question its use, its efficacy and the amount of research being done to help prove it is safe to treat certain conditions. Meet Beverly McClain who uses medical marijuana to help with her symptoms caused by the treatment she is receiving for Stage IV breast cancer.

(Source: The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists) Medical Radiation--X rays are a form of radiant energy like light or radio waves. Just like light and radio waves, they can pass easily through some things and are absorbed by others. In the human body, some tissues are better at absorbing the radiation than others. The images made by x-ray beams come from these differences. Bone stops x rays efficiently, making them look white in an image; air, like in the lungs, does not absorb radiation much at all, and looks black in the image. Sometimes the images are still, like pictures from a camera, and sometimes they show movement, like a video camera.

Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer, these cancerous growths develop when unrepaired DNA damage to skin cells triggers genetic defects that lead the skin cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors.

Crossword puzzles, vitamins, and classical music have all been promoted as tools for improving memory. Panelists discuss the recent theories and research surrounding memory enhancement and help viewers separate fact from fiction.

It's something all women will face. Is menopause a natural part of aging or a medical condition? Is estrogen out and black cohosh in? What's a woman to do? And whom should she believe? From the conventional to the new age, treatments for the symptoms of menopause come front and center on this episode of Second Opinion.

Need a good reason to get out of your easy chair and into a healthier lifestyle? Then consider the possibility that a lack of physical activity, together with other common health problems, can make you a prime candidate for a potentially life-threatening health condition called metabolic syndrome. In this edition of Second Opinion, you'll learn what metabolic syndrome is, find out about its causes and consequences, and get a handle on steps you can take to protect yourself from life-threatening medical problems.

Often debilitating and misunderstood, migraine headaches and the options available to treat them are sources of much debate. Anger, frustration and desperation can plague both patients and physicians. Our panel navigates a case of migraine and the often confusing information that surrounds pain management and prevention.

Can positive thinking, prayer or yoga help heal your body as well as your mind? It depends who you ask. Research into the connection between the mind and the body is both fascinating and controversial.

(Source: National Multiple Sclerosis Society) Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, unpredictable disease of the central nervous system (the brain, optic nerves, and spinal cord). It is thought to be an autoimmune disorder. This means the immune system incorrectly attacks the person's healthy tissue.

(Source: Life NPH) Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus is a neurological condition which normally occurs in adults 55-years and older. NPH is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) causing the ventricles of the brain to enlarge, in turn, stretching the nerve tissue of the brain causing a triad of symptoms.

(Source: Mayo Clinic) Vitamin D toxicity, also called hypervitaminosis D, is a rare but potentially serious condition that occurs when you have excessive amounts of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D toxicity is usually caused by megadoses of vitamin D supplements — not by diet or sun exposure. That's because your body regulates the amount of vitamin D produced by sun exposure, and even fortified foods don't contain large amounts of vitamin D.

Every day, doctors are faced with patients with symptoms that prove difficult to diagnose. When healthy and active Larry Luitjens shows up in his doctor’s office with some peculiar and frightening symptoms, his doctor is put to the test to find the cause and get him the treatment he desperately needs.

What if you could prevent cancer and heart disease by simply buying a few items off the grocery shelf? Sound crazy? Well, apparently many Americans don't think so. More than 40% of us take vitamins and other supplements, driving a $30 billion a year business that shows no sign of slowing down. But how safe is it to play your own doctor? Practitioners of both conventional and integrative medicine debate the pros and cons of nutritional supplements on this episode of Second Opinion.

Magazine covers and newspaper headlines call it a national crisis. Confronted with the health and social costs of obesity, Americans will spend more than $30 billion dollars in their annual battle of the bulge, and most will lose the fight. Are we destined to be fat? And what's so wrong with a few extra pounds, anyway? We tackle these questions and more on this episode of Second Opinion.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or just normal aging? Knowing the difference can affect patient care and quality of living. Join experts discussing the real science behind the common degenerative disease, arthritis. Find out what you can do to help prevent it, and learn about promising treatments on the horizon.

It's a public health risk for 44 million Americans. It's a disease you may have and not even know it. But osteoporosis can be prevented and treated. Find out more about what can be done to help ensure healthy bones for you and your family on this episode of Second Opinion.

One of the deadliest forms of cancer, ovarian cancer is also one of the few cancers for which genetic testing can determine a person's susceptibility. This episode explores the challenges faced by a woman balancing the opportunity to know her genetic profile with only limited diagnostic testing and sometimes radical treatment options available.

(Source: Voices for PFD) Pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a medical condition that occurs when the normal support of the vagina is lost, resulting in “sagging” or dropping of the bladder, urethra, cervix and rectum. As the prolapse of the vagina and uterus progresses, women can feel bulging tissue protruding through the opening of the vagina.

(Source: NIH / MedlinePlus) The pituitary gland is a pea-sized endocrine gland located at the base of the brain. The pituitary helps control the release of hormones from other endocrine glands, such as the thyroid and adrenal glands. The pituitary also releases hormones that directly affect body tissues, such as bones and the breast's milk glands. A pituitary gland tumor is an abnormal growth in the pituitary gland, the part of the brain that regulates the body's balance of hormones.

(Source: CDC) Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Globally, pneumonia causes more deaths than any other infectious disease. It can often be prevented and can usually be treated. Every 20 seconds, somewhere in the world, a child dies from pneumonia. Many of these deaths are preventable through vaccination and appropriate treatment. Pneumonia causes mild to severe illness in people of all ages.

In America, prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men, and the second most common cause of cancer deaths in men. But if it's found early enough, it's quite curable. In this episode of Second Opinion, you'll learn about how prostate cancer is tested for, diagnosed and treated.

(Source: National Psoriasis Foundation) Psoriasis is a chronic, autoimmune disease that appears on the skin. It occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is not contagious. There are five types of psoriasis. The most common form, plaque psoriasis, appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells. Psoriasis can occur on any part of the body and is associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression. Psoriasis is the most common autoimmune disease in the U.S. As many as 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a debilitating mental disorder that can occur after a terrifying event. It was first brought to attention by returning war veterans, many of whom had been wounded in battle. Zachary Bell, former U.S. Marine, shares his story of horror in Afghanistan and his battle to regain his mental health after serving our country.

(Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ)) African-American adults are less likely to be diagnosed with coronary heart disease, but they are more likely to die from heart disease. Knowing what steps can be taken by patients, providers and the community to improve the quality of cardiac care for all American is critical to an effective and efficient health care system.

Coronary artery disease occurs when a substance called plaque builds up in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. You can help prevent heart disease by making healthy choices and managing any medical conditions you may have.

(Source: CDC) Shingles is caused by the varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. After a person recovers from chickenpox, the virus stays in the body in a dormant (inactive) state. For reasons that are not fully known, the virus can reactivate years later, causing shingles. Almost 1 out of every 3 people in the United States will develop shingles, also known as zoster or herpes zoster. There are an estimated 1 million cases each year in this country. Anyone who has recovered from chickenpox may develop shingles; even children can get shingles. However the risk of disease increases as a person gets older. About half of all cases occur among men and women 60 years old or older.

Can that warm and fuzzy feeling of the sun bathing your body really come back to haunt you in the form of skin cancer? Absolutely. And for thousands of Americans every year, the cumulative effects of sun exposure result in an untimely death. In this Second Opinion episode, medical experts and skin cancer victims come together to explore the signs, symptoms, and outcomes of this disease and clue you in on simple measures that you and your family can take to significantly reduce your risk.

Symptoms that arise from sleep disorders may not immediately be recognized as being caused by sleep problems. Meet Carol Hage Wall who initially didn’t believe her struggles were related to sleep, but found relief and recovery from successful treatment.

Sleep is often described as the most influential factor of our health and longevity, and sleep disorders can cause detrimental sleep disruptions. Our panel looks into the importance of shut eye and how to get enough of it.

(Source: NIH / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.

A stroke is the interruption of the flow of blood to any part of the brain, which causes damage to brain tissue. Today, some call it a "brain attack" to illustrate its seriousness and its relationship to heart attack (the interruption of blood flow to the heart). In this episode of Second Opinion, you'll learn about the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of stroke.

(Source: NIH / National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke) A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, spilling blood into the spaces surrounding brain cells. Brain cells die when they no longer receive oxygen and nutrients from the blood or there is sudden bleeding into or around the brain. The symptoms of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body; sudden confusion or trouble speaking or understanding speech; sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes; sudden trouble with walking, dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination; or sudden severe headache with no known cause. There are two forms of stroke: ischemic - blockage of a blood vessel supplying the brain, and hemorrhagic - bleeding into or around the brain.

Sudden cardiac arrest can happen when there is an electrical problem in the heart. If quick action isn’t taken, a person can die in minutes. Fortunately when things suddenly went very wrong for Bob Schmit, his girlfriend was there to save his life.

Sugar is a confusing substance. Recently, it has been identified by the medical community as a factor in excessive body weight in both children and adults, and obesity-fighting campaigns now advocate for no sugar and no added sugar in adult and children’s diets.

While youth suicides earn more news headlines, suicide rates in the United States actually increase with age. This powerful episode explores the devastating reality of suicide, and what you should know about helping yourself or a loved one.

Teen depression is a serious medical problem that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects how your teen thinks, feels and behaves, and it can cause emotional, functional and physical problems.

(Sources: URMC and NIH / MedlinePlus) It’s a difficult choice facing middle-aged woman; do you go for the lean, mean body or a plumper, younger looking face? Why can’t we have it all? What happens to our faces as we age? What causes us to look older or younger? What role does fat…or bone…play in the aging face? What’s behind the wrinkles? And most importantly, what can--or should--we do to preserve a youthful appearance?

(Source: Cancer.org) Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States. About one-half of all men and one-third of all women in the US will develop cancer during their lifetimes. Today, millions of people are living with cancer or have had cancer. Cancer begins when cells in a part of the body start to grow out of control. There are many kinds of cancer, and different types of cancer respond to different types of treatment. The growth in our knowledge of cancer biology has led to remarkable progress in cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. Scientists have learned more about cancer in the last two decades than has been learned in all the centuries preceding.

Many Americans assume tuberculosis is a disease of the past, but the reality is one-third of the world's population is infected with TB - an estimated 10 to 15 million people in the United States alone. Second Opinion explores this historic disease and what you need to know to protect yourself.

While there is no question that vaccines work and have changed our world by eradicating deadly diseases, some people have concerns about the risks of immunizations. The vaccine controversy remains-where do the rights of the public and the rights of the individual collide?

Advertising has become standard practice in much of health care and vision correction appears to be taking the lead.Americans spend nearly $2 billion on vision correction. Providers spend nearly $200 million in advertising. This episode of Second Opinion looks into the ethics of advertising in health care, the rise in corrective vision surgeries across the country and will provide you with information to help you become an informed medical consumer.

(Source: NIH / MedlinePlus) Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin. Fat-soluble vitamins are stored in the body's fatty tissue. Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium and phosphate are two minerals that are essential for normal bone formation. Throughout childhood, your body uses these minerals to produce bones. If you do not get enough calcium, or if your body does not absorb enough calcium from your diet, bone production and bone tissues may suffer. Vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteoporosis in adults or rickets in children.

Women are at risk for heart disease and heart attacks, just like men. While they develop heart problems later in life than men, by about age 65, a woman's risk higher than for a man. This episode of Second Opinion explores ways to prevent, assess risk and diagnose heart disease in women.

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